Sunday, December 29, 2013

Did you know that Berzelia belongs to the family Bruniaceae, one of the few plant families that are endemic to the Cape floral kingdom and the Western Cape of South Africa? Berzelia or also referred to as ‘Button Bush’ is typically used when its clusters of round flower heads are still closed and green, looking much like masses of little green peas attached to a sturdy stem. Below the flowering heads are wispy side shoots of small needle-like foliage which are grouped in whorls going up the woody stem.

Berzelia when mixed in designs exude a unique element of texture that not only appeals to your sense of sight, but also to your tactile senses as well. Whether it’s Berzelia Lanuginosa, Red Jelly or Galpinii, these small green buttons are engaging, making you want to reach out and touch them.

Berzelia Lanuginosa

Berzelia Red Jelly

Berzelia Galpinii

Here we've discovered a few ways Berzelia has been used all alone or as the focal flower.

Button Bush and flowers with similar textures create harmony and unity, and are truly a textural treat for your sense of sight and touch.

Friday, December 27, 2013

In the language of flowers, protea is said to symbolize diversity and courage, and if our sweet Protea Brenda had her own special language she’d be the symbol of immortality too! When asked to describe Brenda, the first words that come to mind are hot pink and plastic. Yes plastic, this gorgeous bloom reminds me of the 'olden days' when my mother would put colorful plastic blooms in an old planter box outside during the wintertime. The dark pink bracts or petals which surround Brenda are shiny and tough not soft and velvety like many of the other protea we grow. So, it's the amazing look and feel of Brenda that makes her seem almost unreal.

When it comes to diversity, Brenda mixes well with fruited branches, succulents, other more traditional flowers, filler flowers and even wrapped
up in a beautiful wreath filled with an assortment of colorful proteaceae.

Brenda will be blooming in the fields for the next few months and then gone for another season, so don't let her get away without appreciating her unique allure.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

The holidays are upon us and when it comes to gift giving ~ flowers are always a perfect choice. This is the time of year when I try to stop and take the time to think about the special people in my life and create something uniquely for them. For me it’s not about perfection, rather it’s a chance to take a moment and slow down and simply savor the beauty of the season. So, whether I'm pulling together an exotic floral wreath, creating a hostess bouquet, or designing a festive table arrangement, flowers give me so many options and slip me right into the holiday spirit. Here are a few floral creations that will surely bring cheer and joy to any personality!

Trying to keep things simple? Here's a vase full of hot pink brendas mixed with stems of fragrant cedar - definitely adds a little holiday magic to any table.

Looking for something a little more elegant? Combine an assortment of fresh California Grown protea with sprigs of dainty saxicola and seeded eucalyptus.

Searching for the traditional red and white? A simple bouquet of colorful protea and leucadendron will make any hostess very merry!

Need a little more sparkle? Try adding a splash of red and gold to the flowers and foliage in a bouquet, it'll give them a little extra holiday dazzle!

Hunting for something unique and different? An exotic wreath will fill that order! This wreath I call my California Grown 'Cape Floral Treat' and it's full of all kinds of unique flowers and foliage.

Have to have that truly extraordinary gift? This protea wreath will knock the 'Christmas socks off' of anyone on your list and it's truly one of a kind. So, be sure to brighten up the holidays for everyone on your list by giving them ~ the gift of flowers!

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Amidst a scenic backdrop in a greenhouse full of colorful gerbera daisies, California Flowers Farmers and special guests experienced a chic 'Field to Vase' luncheon in conjunction with the California Cut Flower Commission's (CCFC) December meetings held in Santa Barbara, CA. Mobi's owners, Rene and June VanWingerden, hosted the gathering that featured local flavor and of course, local flowers. The menu included a salad of organic baby kale, and a main course of roasted chicken and blue cheese shallot mashed potatoes - a savory treat for any palate. Although, the flowers were truly the 'main attraction' of this occasion, from the
gerberas that surrounded the gathering to the beautifully decorated table lined with an array of fresh California grown flowers and foliage - a feast for the eye!

A superbly decorated table awaits.

Red, pink and white flowers made a lovely color palette.

Country Catering Connection created and served the delicious meal.

A special tribute honored the outgoing CCFC Chair, Lane DeVries.

Lunch in a greenhouse amidst thousands of gorgeous gerberas - it's hard to imagine a better place to dine!

Janice even made sure there were jars full of CaGrown Flowers to go.

Many thanks to June and Rene for hosting this amazing 'Field to Vase' event!

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

One of nature’s
most precious gifts, flowers never fail to delight the eye and touch the soul!

If each flower has a special meaning, then each flower color has one too! Symbolism of flower colors can be traced back in history and up until now many people believe in the meaning of colors. This is the reason why there are individuals who are very picky about the flowers and colors that they choose for a bouquet or arrangement especially if it is for a special occasion. Flowers color our lives! Here are a few popular colors and their special meanings.

Pink is elegant and romantic. Brighter pinks are youthful, feminine and fun; vivid pinks are more passionate and sensual. Pink makes a room feel inviting and warm. Love and beauty are associated with Pink.

Protea Ivy

Protea Brenda

Orange is energetic, trendy and fun-loving. A powerful color, orange makes a statement and evokes stronger responses than any other shade. In spring, orange flowers are fresh and cheerful; in autumn, they are beautiful like the changing and falling leaves. Orange is a great accent color.

Banksia Ashbyii

Leucospermum Succession

Green, the 'Eco' color, expressing environmental concern, good health and renewal, green is soothing and relaxing, refreshing and revitalizing. A great neutral color, green can be combined with all other flower colors - it's probably why most flowers have green stems and leaves, they go with any color.